Gingerbread in a Jar

5 jars (12 oz)
8 new lids and rings

BREAD:
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup molasses

Preheat oven at 325�F degrees. Place a baking sheet onto middle rack and remove top rack from oven. Before starting batter, wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water and let drain, dry, and cool to room temperature. Generously prepare inside of jars with butter. To prepare batter, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, combine margarine, water and molasses. Divide batter among 5 jars (should be slightly less than half full).

Carefully wipe rims clean, then place jars on baking sheet (or they'll tip over) in the center of oven. Bake 40 minutes. Keep lids in hot water until they're used. When cakes are done, remove jars which are HOT from oven one at a time. If rims need cleaning, use moistened paper towel. Carefully put lids and rings in place, then screw tops on tightly shut. Place jars on a wire rack; they will seal as they cool.